What is a fault serve in racquetball?
I · Intermediate · Serving · 1 of 4A fault serve is defective but gives a second try. Faults are a short serve on or before the short line, a long serve to the back wall, a ceiling serve, a three-wall serve touching both side walls, a foot fault, a bounce outside the zone, an illegal drive serve and a screen. Two in a row are an out.
How it works
- Short: on or before the short line.
- Long: to the back wall first.
- Ceiling: after the front wall.
- Three-wall: both side walls.
- Foot fault: feet out of the zone.
- Screen: passes too close to the server.
- Two faults: an out.
- Court hinder: replayed, no fault.
The glossary has the fault, the short serve, the long serve, the ceiling serve, the three wall serve and the screen serve.
Tricky cases
The serve hits the back wall on the fly. Result?
A long serve; fault.
Is a screen called whenever the ball passes close?
Only if the receiver's view was blocked.
The ball breaks on the serve. Result?
A dead-ball serve; replayed.
Does a dead-ball serve cancel a first fault?
No.
Why the rule exists
A screen hides the ball, so the receiver could not react fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Faults | Second try | L 3.6(b) |
| Two faults | Out | L 3.8 |
| Dead-ball serve | Replay | L 3.7 |
From the rule book
International Racquetball Federation (IRF), Official Rules of Racquetball (2024-2026), Rules 3.6 to 3.8. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: IRF Official Rules 2024-2026.